What is the Junior League of the Emerald Coast?We are celebrating 50 years of Service and Leadership this year! Founded in 1964, the Junior League of the Emerald Coast is a charitable non-profit organization of women civic leaders committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. As part of the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc., we are part of a network of more than almost 196,000 women in 296 Junior Leagues in Canada, Great Britain, Mexico and the United States working toward a common goal of women building better communities. Together, we constitute one of the largest, most effective volunteer organizations in the world. The League’s purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

Who are the members of the Junior League?

The Junior League of the Emerald Coast is a hard working group of volunteers, friends and peers who take pride in our community and the support we provide. We reach out to women of all races, ages, and religious and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to enhancing the quality of life in our community. Our members provide the energy and vitality that make the Junior League of the Emerald Coast a dynamic organization with a profound impact on the community. The Junior League of the Emerald Coast consistently strives to operate in such a way that allows us to work toward meeting the goals laid out in our Mission and Vision statements and have fun along the way.

How do I join?

First click HERE to fill out our online membership application and then join us on August 22nd for our Annual Recruitment

What are the benefits of membership?

Training for effective community service and leadership including finance, public speaking, fundraising, public relations, marketing, advocacy, team building, volunteer coordination, program development and personal development.

Awareness of community needs and opportunities to contribute to solutions

Interaction and partnerships with community leaders.

New friends and opportunities for continued growth and personal fulfillment with a diverse group of dedicated, talented women.

Meets the age and residency requirements (reached her 21st birthday prior to the beginning of her Provisional year, and resides in Okaloosa, Walton or Santa Rosa County)

Has an interest in community service

Has strong interest in volunteerism

An Active member may transfer her membership from any existing Junior League.

What types of memberships exist within the Junior League?

Provisional: The Provisional member is a woman in her first year of membership who participates in an education and developmental training class running from September to May to orient herself with the Junior League and its activities. At the annual May dinner, the Provisional class members become Active members of the organization and begin to fulfill membership requirements.

Active: Active Members have agreed to engage in community service in connection with programs chosen by the League. Active Members complete a "placement" each year, selecting a volunteer opportunity to serve the Emerald Coast community or choosing to serve within the Junior League administration. After meeting certain membership requirements detailed in the by-laws, members may choose to become "sustaining" members and take a less active but supporting role in the League.

Sustainer: Our Sustainers serve as mentors to the Provisional and Active members of the League, and are a valuable source of support and inspiration to the League as a whole. Many of our Sustainers started as volunteers in the Junior League and go on to serve as leaders in other charity organizations in the Emerald Coast community.

What is a Provisional Year?

The first year of membership is called your "Provisional Year" and during this year you will participate in a structured but flexible program designed to teach you about the Junior League of the Emerald Coast. Your Provisional Course will give you a broad-based view of the Junior League - its structure and organization, our community affairs initiatives, our fundraising events, and how to become an effective and trained volunteer. There are also numerous opportunities to socialize with other members.

What is the time commitment for a Provisional, Active or Sustaining member?

Provisional Members

Must complete the Provisional Training Year beginning in September and continuing through May.

Active Members

Active Members serve on a committee during the League Year. Each committee has a different time commitment. Some are busier during certain times of the year than others but this allows members flexibility in the amount of time they serve.

Active Members attend General Membership Meetings, Community Affairs Projects, Fundraisers, and other league sponsored events thoughout the year. Different levels of Active membership have different levels of participation requirements at events throughout the year.

Sustaining Members

Our Sustainers serve as mentors to the Provisional and Active members of the League, and are a valuable source of support and inspiration to the League as a whole.

Many of our Sustainers started as volunteers in the Junior League and go on to serve as leaders in other charity organizations in the Emerald Coast community.

How do I transfer active membership between Leagues?

To transfer to The Junior League of the Emerald Coast, you must notify your current League. Your current league will need to initiate the transfer process to our League.

Have additional questions about transferring to JLEC? Email us at membership@jlec.org and we can help you through the process.